SDA, Catholic, CCAP churches go online to ask for tithe, offering: Why attack Bushiri only?
In the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns, churches need to come up with ways on how their institutions can remain relevant and afloat.
We all know, of course, that churches are Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) supported by their own members, followers and well-wishers through willful contributions such as offerings, tithe and seeds.
However, with government restrictions imposed on gatherings, it means churches need to find ways in which they can still collect contributions—because if they don’t, their institutions will crumble.
Two weeks ago, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Prophet Shepherd Bushiri trended on social media when, at the end of his two-hour preaching session, asked his followers to make offerings through depositing in the church’s account.
Bushiri severely attacked for the gesture and the blows came from every quarter, notably, believers and, of course, non-believers too.
The argument was that Bushiri should not have asked his followers for contributions because people, because of COVID-19, are suffering.
Bushiri’s public relations team explained that the Prophet was only making a regular call to his members to give so that church projects don’t crumble.
Interestingly, two weeks later, as the country is set for a 21 day lockdown, main churches—indirectly or some directly, have gone on the offensive reminding their members against forgetting to tithe and, also, give offering.
The CCAP Nkhoma Synod have issues a statement asking their members to continue giving tithe during this COVID-19 season.
The Seventh-Day Adventist have also done that through a press release.
There hasn’t been an official release from the Roman Catholic Church but media reported for a Senior bishop in Blantyre announcing in church on the same.
Though these are the only big churches that have made their position in public on the topic, it may not be porous to underline that all, of not most churches in the country, are doing that.
In fact, it’s not just churches in Malawi asking their followers to continue tithing and giving offering.
One of South Africa’s mega churches, Rhema Bible Church and Covenant Fellowship Church, have also had their leaders going on television to ask for tithe and offering from their members and followers.
Probably one of the world’s popular preaches, Joel Ostein of the Lakewood Church in Texas, was also online with his wife, a week ago, asking his members and followers to continue giving tithe and offerings.
Against all this, questions are emerging as to why social media was unequivocal in the attack of Bushiri for asking tithe and offering when he did what, arguably, most churches are already doing?
Was Bushiri wrong or he is just a victim of social media hate and jealously against his personal success and the success of his ministry?
In the 10 years he has been around as a leader, Bushiri has done so much beyond preaching the gospel on the pulpit.
He has given free food to millions of Malawians, he has built secondary schools, he has supported youths with business capital, he pays fees for thousands of orphans and whenever there is a disaster he is always the first to respond.
Perhaps, Bushiri will be celebrated one day.
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I.feel sorry for the author of this piece of BS. For the fact that she has written her article.in English shows that she has some level of education and exposure. But as it has been said by many, education doesn’t remove stupidity from some people. I always feel sad when i see such learned men and women, some graduates, others even having PhDs; are being fooled by these conmen declaring themselves “men of god “. These men are operating a business by using the Bible. Their message is all but one : give them your money and you will improve… Read more »
We don’t receive tithe from congregants just like Jesus and his apostles never received the so called tithes. We are followers of Jesus and his apostles!! Offerings Yes!!
A prophet has no honour in own country… Jesus said
Understand Major 1 is the head, that’s why he makes headlines. The rest follow what the leader does.
Mangochi kabwafu ,open your eyes . Pray that God should make you see what some of us see. Stop posting negative comments about the anointed Prophet, Major 1. You are a secret disciple , just come in the open
Wow. Churches are the biggest enterprise and they can not survive with tithe and offerings. Those who give. More and accorded respect and given positions. Members are threatened with bible verse that God will not bless them if they don’t give.
Amen n Amen to the author of this article. Indeed our major prophet is just the victim of social media. But we know the devil always attacks the strongest. He is a genuine prophet of God that’s why he does not tremble or stress to the social media injustices.
I’m waiting for Mangochi kabwafu comments. Always attacking my prophet. Viva my prophet my spiritual father prophet of this generation Major1 Major Provovo. May God continue to bless you, and keep on doing the will of God. In Jesus name.
Kodi what is the purpose of this article? To tell Malawians not to attack Bushiri? I don’t see any spiritual sense in ur write up. Ofcourse people should not get worried with Bushiri, we already know he is a crook, womaniser.
Eish … It’s like you caught him sleeping with your mother !
They are all thieves. No Pastor is entitled to be begging tithe from people deception in churches
The world has been so good to churches. They have been collecting money for years. Whilst some churches in the USA are giving members money to help them during this time, our churches are still begging for money. Come on Man. Akakhala Bushiriyo even worse. He has been telling the world that he is a millionaire. As a man of God he should use the millions to sustain the church now and even members that are suffering, not begging for money.
kwathu kuno timawerenga mozondotsa in most cases
Don’t go there, Tiligu ndi namsongole sizofanana.Osamalozedwa.